(Intro – whispered) Sharp knife. Clean board. One more time, just get it right. I still remember how you liked it— garlic before the oil, wine at the end. (Verse 1) Measured every ounce of sorrow Stacked regrets like plates to dry Laid out hope beside the hollow Salted truths and silent lies (Chorus) Mise en place, mise en pain I set the stage, I said your name Every tool, every flame Still can’t cook away the shame (Verse 2) I traced your hunger through my memory Rewrote your silence in the steam The more I stirred, the less I tasted This wasn’t love, it was a dream (Bridge) I plated pride beside forgiveness I garnished guilt with brittle grace But recipes don't love their makers— They just sit there. Cold. In place. (Chorus 2) Mise en place, mise en pain The table set, the ghost remains I light the flame, I feel the strain And whisper: maybe she'll come again...
